NASCAR Veteran Unearths “Big-Time Driver” Reasons Behind Spire Motorsports’ Recent Hiring & Firing

If there’s one team in the Cup Series that has constantly been in the news this season, it has to be Spire Motorsports. The Jeff Dickerson co-owned team has witnessed plenty of incomings and outgoings. Their latest decision to part ways with Corey LaJoie after the 2024 season has certainly come as a shocker. While fans still digest this fact, a NASCAR veteran deep-dived into the matter to see what many couldn’t.

LaJoie has been the heart of Spire Motorsports since he joined them in 2021. Safe to say, he played an important role in bringing more recognition to the team. While all looked normal when he signed a two-year contract extension last summer, his departure at the end of the ongoing campaign leaves plenty of questions unanswered.

Is Spire Motorsports setting the right example following the departure of Corey LaJoie?

It is no secret how Spire Motorsports has been very active in the NASCAR market. Last year, they entered into a high-profile deal with sponsor, Gainbridge. Interestingly, Gainbridge became the primary sponsor for Corey LaJoie’s #7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Following that, Spire Motorsports surprised plenty after purchasing a charter reportedly worth $40 million.

If that wasn’t enough, Jeff Dickerson’s team bought Kyle Busch’s Truck Series team Kyle Busch Motorsports. In the process, Spire Motorsports also acquired KBM’s headquarters and shop. Fast forward to 2024, and the Mooresville-based team signed Front Row Motorsports driver Michael McDowell effective from the 2025 campaign.

While signing the 2021 Daytona 500 winner was a statement in itself, Spire Motorsports again stunned the NASCAR fandom. With Stewart-Haas Racing shutting its shop, veteran crew chief Rodney Childers signed with Spire Motorsports to lead the #7 team. Given the number of positive upgrades, it was surprising when Corey LaJoie’s exit came to light.

LaJoie’s contribution to the team didn’t go unnoticed but the timing of his departure doesn’t fit right. It is indeed difficult to understand what Spire Motorsports has been up to. Luckily, veteran driver Kenny Wallace unraveled the mystery to the best of his abilities. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Wallace discussed the situation at Spire Motorsports with Charlie Marlow.

He said, “I don’t want to be redundant but I just don’t believe you hire Rodney Childers to pick up a driver that’s just starting out. I think they called Rodney up and they said Rodney we’re going to take that next step, it’s time.” Wallace added how both Carson Hocevar and Zane Smith have performed well. However, he highlighted how Corey LaJoie’s exit allows Rodney Childers to choose the driver of his liking.

The 60-year-old added, “I think that they brought Rodney Childers in to like bring the team up to the next level. I think they’re going to hire a big-time driver because they’re going to need one.” While Wallace mentioned how Kyle Busch is rumored to leave Richard Childress Racing and join Spire Motorsports, he certainly believed that there was something big brewing.

It is interesting to who replaces Corey LaJoie next year. Is it actually going to be Kyle Busch?

How likely is Kyle Busch to join Spire Motorsports in the 2025 season?

At the moment, nothing couldn’t be written off when it comes to Spire Motorsports. Given their aggressive approach in the market, Kenny Wallace isn’t wrong to assume something big is likely to happen. In fact, in the same episode, he explained the core reason why things cannot be taken lightly. Wallace explained how Spire Motorsports is a diverse program associated with the Agajanian group.

For those unaware, the Agajanian group is a popular name in the racing arena. While the group consists of business people under the leadership of Cary Agajanian, they have been well-known to attract sponsors. In fact, now, it comes as little surprise how Gainbridge joined Spire Motorsports as its primary sponsor this season.

However, it is worth noticing how things have been developing. Spire Motorsports purchasing Kyle Busch Motorsports’ assets, being partnered with Hendrick Motorsports, and attracting lucrative sponsor deals builds the perfect setup for an experienced driver. While Kyle Busch would love the existing and growing setup, it is difficult to not imagine him moving to Spire Motorsports.

After all, his struggles at Richard Childress Racing have been very evident. While Rowdy has tried his best to carry them, there just doesn’t seem to be any improvement. This probably hints at why Tyler Reddick opted for a move away and how well has it turned out for him. On similar lines, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Busch decides to leave at the end of the 2024 campaign.

In case, he does so, Spire Motorsports has the ideal setup for him with championship-winning crew chief Rodney Childers also there. Somehow it all feels right for Kyle Busch to take the #7 seat. While all this is speculation, only time can tell how Spire Motorsports will go about their business for the 2025 season.